Fishing shorts in 2025 are all about smart pocket designs that keep your gear secure, dry, and accessible. Whether you're wet wading or on a boat, the right shorts can make your fishing trips smoother and more comfortable. Here's a quick look at the top options:
- Reel Comfort Padded Fishing Shorts ($59.99): Deep hand pockets, zippered back pocket, and removable thigh pads for extra storage or rod support. Made with rip-stop, water-resistant fabric.
- AFTCO Pinnacle Shorts ($79): Seven-pocket system with a hidden zippered phone pocket and a reinforced pliers pocket. Durable polyester blend with added stretch.
- Huk Icon Fishing Shorts ($70): Cargo pockets with drainage holes, tear-resistant pliers pocket, and quick-dry nylon material for lightweight comfort.
- Simms Guide Shorts ($99.95): Five pockets with mesh lining for drainage, including a laser-cut thigh pocket. Built for wet wading with a nylon-spandex blend.
- Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Shorts (Price varies): Minimalist design with three zippered pockets and eco-friendly, quick-dry fabric.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Reel Comfort | AFTCO Pinnacle | Huk Icon | Simms Guide | Orvis Jackson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $79 | $70 | $99.95 | Varies |
| Pocket Count | 3+ (removable pads) | 7 | Multiple | 5 | 3 |
| Special Features | Thigh pads, rip-stop | Hidden phone pocket, pliers pocket | Drainage holes, pliers pocket | Mesh-lined pockets | Eco-friendly fabric |
| Material | Rip-stop, water-resistant | Polyester blend | Quick-dry nylon | Nylon-spandex blend | Recycled nylon |
Each option offers tailored features for different fishing needs. Prioritize what matters most - storage, durability, or comfort - and choose the shorts that fit your style.
Best Fishing Shorts In 2025 - Top 10 Fishing Short Review
1. Reel Comfort Padded Fishing Shorts
Reel Comfort's fishing shorts are designed with anglers in mind, offering a thoughtful pocket system for secure and quick gear access. Priced at $59.99, these shorts are available in black, gray, and blue, combining practicality and durability to meet the challenges of fishing trips.
Pocket Design and Accessibility
These shorts stand out with their pocket layout, crafted for easy access during active fishing. Deep hand pockets provide space for frequently used items like line clippers, small tackle boxes, or personal essentials, all without adding unnecessary bulk. The placement of these pockets works seamlessly with the shorts' anti-chafe seams, ensuring comfort even during long fishing sessions.
Adding to the functionality are slim thigh-pad pockets, which complement the hand pockets by offering additional, customizable storage options. These thigh pockets are ideal for smaller essentials like tippet spools, compact fly boxes, or emergency tools. Their removable design allows anglers to tailor their storage setup to suit the specific demands of each trip.
Keeping Valuables Secure
Fishing often involves unpredictable conditions, making secure storage a must. Reel Comfort addresses this with a zippered back pocket, perfect for safeguarding valuables like car keys, phones, or fishing licenses. The zipper design reduces the risk of items falling out, while reinforced stitching ensures the pocket stays durable under frequent use. This secure storage solution is a key feature for anglers who need peace of mind while on the water.
Built to Last
The shorts are made with rip-stop fabric, which resists tears and punctures from sharp tools or rough conditions. This durability is paired with quick-dry pocket linings, ensuring that moisture doesn't linger after splashes or light submersions. A water-resistant treatment further protects your gear, keeping it drier and more reliable throughout your fishing adventures.
Comfort and Movement
Four-way stretch panels are integrated into the design to keep pocket contents secure without restricting your range of motion. The ergonomic placement of the pockets aligns with natural fishing movements, preventing shifting or discomfort during actions like casting, crouching, or reeling in your catch.
These Mens Fishing Shorts by Reel Comfort combine convenience, durability, and thoughtful design, making them a go-to option for anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience in 2025.
2. Aftco Pinnacle Shorts
The Aftco Pinnacle Shorts earned the title of ICAST 2025 Best Men's Warm Weather Apparel, and for good reason. At $79, these shorts combine smart design with a focus on fishing performance, offering a pocket system that’s tailored for anglers who need both organization and convenience.
Pocket Accessibility
The Pinnacle Shorts are all about making your gear accessible when you need it most. With a multi-pocket layout, the design ensures that everything has its place without getting in the way of your movements. Hand pockets are perfect for quick grabs, while thigh pockets offer extra storage without interfering with casting or reeling. Back pockets provide even more options for organizing gear based on how frequently you use it.
One standout feature is the hidden zippered cell phone pocket. This pocket keeps your phone secure and protected from splashes or accidental impacts, while its discreet design prevents it from snagging on fishing lines or other equipment. It’s a thoughtful addition that shows how these shorts are engineered with anglers’ needs in mind.
Specialized Storage
What really sets these shorts apart is the 300D Cordura pliers pocket. This dedicated space is built to hold pliers securely, eliminating the hassle of rummaging through general pockets when you need them. The pocket is reinforced to handle the weight and sharp edges of pliers, maintaining its shape and durability over time.
"As the creators of the Original Fishing Short®, we've always pushed the limits of technical fishing apparel... The Pinnacle Shorts continue that legacy with breathable, fast-drying performance and smart storage where it counts." - Dom Hirota, VP of Product at AFTCO
This level of specialized storage highlights why fishing shorts like these are a step above casual cargo shorts. They’re designed with purpose, catering to the unique demands of anglers.
Material Durability
Made from a tough polyester blend with added stretch, the Pinnacle Shorts are as durable as they are functional. They feature water and stain resistance, so both the shorts and their contents stay cleaner during long fishing trips.
The 300D Cordura reinforcement on the pliers pocket is another example of their durability. This military-grade material is built to handle repeated use and sharp tools, ensuring the pocket remains functional and intact over time. For anglers, having gear that can stand up to water and wear is essential, and these shorts deliver on that promise.
Comfort and Mobility
While durability and storage are key, comfort hasn’t been overlooked. The fabric includes 3% spandex, giving the shorts just enough stretch to move with you. Whether you’re crouching, reaching, or casting, the material flexes without adding bulk or restricting movement.
Even when the pockets are loaded with gear, the shorts maintain their shape, thanks to the carefully engineered fabric. This means you can carry everything you need without sacrificing comfort or mobility, making these shorts a reliable choice for long days on the water.
With their thoughtful design, durable materials, and practical storage solutions, the Aftco Pinnacle Shorts are more than just fishing gear - they’re a tool that helps tackle the challenges of serious angling head-on.
3. Huk Icon Fishing Shorts
The Huk Icon Fishing Shorts have built a strong reputation among anglers, boasting a 4.9 out of 5-star rating and a price tag of $70. These shorts are all about blending practical pocket design with durability, making them a reliable choice for a day on the water.
Pocket Accessibility
The Icon shorts stand out for their smart pocket setup, designed to keep your gear close at hand. They feature a front snap-close cargo pocket, a front zip-up cargo pocket, and two snap-close back pockets. According to one reviewer, these pockets are perfect for carrying essentials like a small fly box, nippers, dry shake, and tippet - ideal for small stream fishing adventures.
Specialized Storage
One standout feature is the tear-resistant plier pocket, built to handle the weight and sharp edges of pliers without wearing out. The side cargo pocket also includes drainage holes, which help water escape quickly. This means wet gear dries faster, and you won’t have to deal with the added weight of waterlogged items.
Material Durability
Crafted from 4-way stretch nylon, these shorts are both tough and flexible, offering durability without feeling bulky. They come with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to fend off spray and light rain, and a stain-resistant treatment keeps them looking good even after repeated exposure to harsh conditions. For more details on protective gear, check out our article on water-resistant gear.
Comfort and Mobility
Even when you load up the pockets, the 4-way stretch fabric ensures you can move naturally - whether you’re casting, reaching, or navigating tricky terrain. These shorts also provide UPF 50+ sun protection, a must for long days under the sun, and their quick-drying fabric keeps you comfortable after splashes or light rain. Learn more about quick-dry fabric technology.
Designed with input from pro anglers and captains, the Huk Icon Fishing Shorts strike a perfect balance between storage capacity and freedom of movement. Every detail, from pocket placement to closure types, is tailored to meet the needs of serious fishermen. These shorts deliver durability and functionality without compromising performance.
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4. Simms Guide Shorts
Simms Guide Shorts are available for $99.95. Designed with a guide-level focus, these shorts combine functionality, durability, and mobility, making them a solid choice for anglers tackling summer adventures on trails, boats, or during wet-wading.
"Step into the guide‑caliber short that brings ultimate mobility and rugged durability to the trail, boat and wet‑wading days of summer." – Simms Fishing
Pocket Accessibility
The Simms Guide Shorts are all about smart storage. With five thoughtfully placed pockets, they cater to the needs of wet-wading anglers. Two front drop-in hand pockets offer quick access to essentials like leaders or small tackle. Meanwhile, the back pockets provide additional storage, with the right one featuring a zippered closure for added security. The pocket bags are mesh-lined, allowing water to drain quickly, so you’re not weighed down when wading through streams. Everything about this design prioritizes convenience and functionality.
Specialized Storage
One of the standout features is the laser-cut, zippered pocket on the right thigh, complete with a mesh lining for fast drainage. There’s also a zippered, hook-and-loop cargo pocket and an internal stash spot for your cell phone. Together, these elements create a storage system that balances accessibility with security, giving you easy access to frequently used items while keeping your valuables safe.
Material Durability
Durability is key when dealing with rugged outdoor conditions, and these shorts deliver. Made from a 94% nylon and 6% spandex blend with a 138 gsm two-way stretch woven fabric, they’re built to handle tough environments. The fabric is treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, which helps shed water while maintaining breathability. This combination of tear resistance and flexibility is perfect for navigating rocky stream beds or moving around on a boat deck. For more on protective materials, check out our article on water-resistant gear for anglers.
Comfort and Mobility
The nylon-spandex blend, combined with the DWR coating and two-way stretch, ensures these shorts are tough yet comfortable. They dry quickly and allow unrestricted movement, even in wet or challenging conditions. Even when fully loaded with gear, the shorts retain their shape and flexibility. Plus, built-in sun protection makes them ideal for long days on the water. These features, along with the integrated pocket system, highlight the guide-level design that makes these shorts a dependable choice for serious anglers facing demanding conditions.
5. Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Shorts
The Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Shorts are designed with anglers in mind, offering a blend of practicality and comfort for long days on the water. Available in 7-inch and 9-inch inseam lengths, they cater to different style and fit preferences. These shorts stand out with their updated pocket system and advanced fabric technology, making them a reliable choice for fishing enthusiasts.
Pocket Accessibility
The pocket system has been carefully updated to ensure easy access to your gear. Featuring an anti-gaping design and softer zippers, these pockets provide secure storage without compromising convenience, even during active movement.
Security Features
With three zippered pockets, the layout is thoughtfully organized to keep your essentials in order. Two pockets at the back are ideal for items you don’t need frequently, while a side pocket is perfect for quick access to your most-used gear.
Material Durability
Made from a recycled nylon and spandex blend, these shorts combine durability with eco-friendly materials. The four-way stretch fabric and gusseted crotch allow for unrestricted movement, whether you’re casting your line, wading through water, or navigating uneven terrain.
Comfort and Mobility
Lightweight and breathable, these shorts are designed to dry quickly, even in damp conditions. They also offer UPF 50+ sun protection, ensuring you stay protected even when the fabric is wet. For more details on how quick-dry fabrics work, check out our in-depth guide here.
Pros and Cons
Each of these fishing shorts brings its own set of features designed to meet the unique needs of anglers. Here's a closer look at what each model offers:
Reel Comfort Padded Fishing Shorts stand out with their removable thigh pads, which double as rod supports - perfect for hands-free convenience. They also include deep hand pockets and a secure zippered back pocket, all made with performance fabric. At $59.99, these shorts offer a blend of functionality and affordability.
AFTCO Pinnacle Shorts boast a seven-pocket system, including a specialized 300D pliers pocket and a hidden zippered phone pocket with a YKK AquaGuard zipper. This design ensures all your essential gear is easily accessible, making them a great choice for anglers who like to stay organized.
Huk Icon Fishing Shorts feature a practical pocket layout with multiple storage options, including a side cargo pocket with drainage holes. Snap-close and zip-up closures keep your items secure, while the 95% nylon material and elastic waistband ensure lightweight comfort for long fishing trips.
Simms Guide Shorts are tailored for wet-wading enthusiasts. With five pockets lined with durable water-resistant (DWR) mesh for quick drainage, these shorts are ideal for anglers spending time in deeper water. The nylon-spandex blend provides excellent stretch and mobility.
Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Shorts cater to those who prefer a simple design. They feature three zippered pockets, offering a minimalist approach to storage. While the pocket capacity is limited, this design appeals to anglers who value a streamlined look.
Here’s a quick comparison of key features across the models:
| Feature | Reel Comfort | AFTCO Pinnacle | Huk Icon | Simms Guide | Orvis Jackson |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Count | Deep hand + zippered back + thigh pad pockets | 7 pockets total | Multiple pockets | 5 pockets | 3 zippered pockets |
| Security | Secure zippered back pocket | YKK AquaGuard zipper + hook-and-loop closures | Snap-close and zip-up options | DWR mesh-lined pockets | Basic zippered closures |
| Material | Quick-dry, water-resistant fabric | 49% polyester / 48% elastomultiester / 3% spandex | 95% nylon | Nylon-spandex blend | Not specified |
| Comfort | Removable thigh pads, ergonomic design | Jacquard elastic waistband | Elastic waistband, stretchy | Designed for wet wading | Not specified |
| Price | $59.99 | Premium pricing | Mid-range | Premium pricing | Mid to high range |
These features highlight how thoughtful pocket designs and materials can enhance an angler's experience on the water.
Looking for practical storage and comfort? Check out Reel Comfort's padded fishing shorts.
Want to explore more options? Browse our full collection of Mens Fishing Shorts for additional styles and features.
For tips on keeping your gear safe, read our guide on water-resistant gear protection.
Conclusion
When selecting fishing shorts in 2025, it’s all about the details. Features like secure zippered closures, reinforced plier pockets, and drainage options are key to keeping your gear accessible, safe, and functional during long days on the water.
Practical experiences highlight just how useful these features can be. Take the Reel Comfort Padded Fishing Shorts, for example. At $59.99, they combine thoughtful design with reliable performance. The standout feature? Removable thigh pads that double as rod supports and extra storage for small tackle items. Add to that deep hand pockets, zippered back pockets for security, and a quick-dry, water-resistant fabric that holds up against the elements - these shorts are built for serious anglers.
The feedback from anglers says it all. Tournament angler Carlos R. shares:
"I love how simple it is. The pads are soft but hold the rod steady - no extra contraptions needed and built to last."
Florida bass angler Jason M. echoes this sentiment:
"These shorts let me rest my rod on my thigh without scraping up the handle. It makes a huge difference when tying knots while standing in my kayak. The quality and price are huge perks, too."
For those who value comfort and functionality during extended fishing trips, Reel Comfort’s pocket and storage innovations are a game-changer. With features like reinforced stitching and the unique thigh pad design, these shorts address the real challenges anglers face.
Ready to upgrade your fishing gear? Check out the Reel Comfort Fishing Shorts and experience how smart pocket design can transform your time on the water. For more tips, explore our guide on water-resistant gear protection or dive into the differences between padded and regular fishing shorts.
FAQs
What features should I look for in fishing shorts to ensure comfort and durability on long trips?
When gearing up for extended fishing trips, it's smart to focus on durable, water-resistant fabrics like ripstop polyester or nylon. These materials can handle the rough conditions and wear that come with long hours on the water. Opt for shorts made with quick-drying fabrics and moisture-wicking features to stay comfortable, even in damp environments. An adjustable or elastic waistband is another must-have, offering flexibility and comfort for all-day wear.
Practicality is key, so choose shorts with secure, well-designed pockets to stash tools or small gear safely. Reinforced stitching is a bonus, adding extra strength to handle the rigors of fishing trips. If you're after something top-tier, explore options that blend functionality with ergonomic design, making your time on the water as comfortable and efficient as possible.
What makes pocket designs in fishing shorts more functional for anglers?
Fishing shorts with smart pocket layouts can significantly improve an angler's day on the water. Deep hand pockets are ideal for stashing essentials like pliers, tackle, or even your phone, keeping them secure and easily accessible. Meanwhile, specialized thigh-pad pockets are crafted to hold removable inserts firmly in place, ensuring they sit smoothly against your leg when not in use. These thoughtful details not only add convenience but also make fishing more comfortable and efficient.
Why are quick-dry and water-resistant fabrics important for fishing shorts, and how do they enhance your time on the water?
Quick-dry and water-resistant fabrics are a must-have in fishing shorts, offering a mix of comfort and practicality for long hours on the water. These materials are designed to wick moisture away fast, keeping you dry and preventing water from soaking in - a big help in avoiding chafing and the growth of bacteria.
What’s more, these fabrics stay lightweight and breathable, even when wet. This means your shorts won’t feel heavy or restrictive, giving you the freedom to move easily while casting, reeling, or maneuvering your boat. For anglers, these features can make a big difference in both performance and overall enjoyment.
